Movies: Past, present and future

Comic-Con 2011: 'Spider-Man' actor Rhys Ifans cited

July 23, 2011 | 12:26pm

British actor Rhys Ifans, who plays the villain in the upcoming "The Amazing Spider-Man," was issued a citation following his appearance to promote the movie at Comic-Con International in San Diego on Friday evening.

According to Lt. Andra Brown of the San Diego Police Department, Ifans was on his way to his panel and one of the members of his entourage didn't carry the proper credentials to get into the backstage area for Hall H. When a female security guard challenged him about the passes, the actor was "rude, belligerent, hostile and struck the security guard in the chest, pushed passed her and went in to do his panel," Brown said.

Following the panel, the security guard issued a misdemeanor citation for battery.

The guard, a privately employed officer, issued a citizen's arrest because the alleged offeense was not committed in the presence of a police officer. The attack did not require the guard to obtain additional care.

The story was first reported on the website The Wrap.

Sony spokesman Steve Elzer issued the following statement regarding the event: "Rhys Ifans was detained by Comic-Con security after a brief incident backstage prior to and immediately following the 'Amazing Spider-Man' panel. Police were notified and a citation was issued to Mr. Ifans, who deeply regrets this incident."

Ifans flew out of San Diego Friday evening, and it is unclear whether the city of San Diego will press charges. According to Lt. Brown, that decision will be left up to the city attorney.

The actor, who appeared in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 1," was on hand at the pop culture event to talk about his role as Dr. Curt Connors, a scientist who transforms into The Lizard in the Marc Webb-directed reboot of the Marvel superhero movie franchise due out next year.